I really love this author. I have yet to read a book written by her that I haven’t enjoyed!

Decaffeinated Scandal is the fifth book in The Killer Coffee Mystery Series. To best enjoy this book, I would suggest that you start with book one and go in order. The mystery can stand-alone but the main character has a storyline that is ongoing. The setting for this book is fall in Kentucky. There are several recipes included at the back of the book. The Salted Caramel Coffee is to die for! It is now my favorite coffee. I also tried the Bean and Ham Soup recipe. It is chilly in Alaska right now and this soup was wonderful. I chose it because I love Bean and Ham Soup but this had an ingredient I normally didn’t use. I did change the cooking method to using my Instant Pot but otherwise followed it exactly. It was mighty tasty. I made the dog treats for my Zoey. She loves pumpkin. I had them cooling while we went out and the male in the house noticed them. Yes, he thought they were a treat. When we came in from our walk, he told me he thought they needed a little sugar. I was a bit entertained by that. I guess I need to get a dog bone cookie cutter.

I think one of my favorite things about a series is getting to know the characters and the town. I love everyone in this series! There are some quirky people but everyone is genuine. The mystery was interesting and I was totally invested in the outcome. I sort of guessed who it was but was also wrong. There is something special that happens in this book and that leads to a special announcement at the end! I’m super excited about this.

If you are looking for a fun, small town, clean new series with lovable characters, laugh out loud moments and a murder or so, you definitely want to check out this series. ( )

Decaffeinated Scandal by Tonya Kappes is the fifth book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series. Roxanne Bloom owns The Bean Hive in Honey Springs, Kentucky. The town is getting ready for the Neewollah Festival which starts in three days. Roxanne is surprised when she hears that the owners of the Bee Farm, Andrew & Kayla Noro are considering selling part of their island to a developer who wishes to build a resort. The Bee Farm is a tourist destination and development of the island could kill off the bees. Roxanne meets Ron & Bev Harvey along with their grandson, Jimmer when they come into The Bean Hive. Ron is the developer interested in the Bee Farm and his personality leaves something to be desired. The Neewollah Festival (Halloween spelled backwards) has a surprising and happy start, but then a scream rings out. Ron Harvey is found dead at the Cocoon Inn with a bloody candlestick nearby. Cammy Montgomery, owner of the Cocoon Inn, finds herself at the top of the suspect list and soon arrested for the crime. Cammy asks Roxanne to put her sleuthing prowess to work to clear her from the suspect list. Roxanne also needs to find a way to save The Bee Farm or Honey Springs may disappear from the map.

Decaffeinated Scandal may be the fifth book in the series, but it can be read alone. However, I recommend reading A Killer Coffee Mystery series in order. Something special occurs in Decaffeinated Scandal and you will appreciate it more if you have followed the characters from the beginning. Honey Springs is a quaint small town with charming shops and friendly citizens. There is even a boardwalk where The Bean Hive resides, and Roxanne lives in an adorable cabin. Tonya Kappes has a conversational writing style that makes for an easy flowing and to read story. There are a variety of quirky characters including Penny Bloom and Maxine Bloom (mother and aunt respectively) plus an adorable dog, Pepper. I laughed frequently while reading Decaffeinated Scandal. Norman, a pup looking for a forever home, is residing at The Bean Hive, but he has an intestinal disorder that causes a stink (literally). Who will be the perfect parent for this cute, yet stinky canine? A clean book with no intimate scenes, foul language or gore. I appreciate that the police are not telling Roxanne to stay out of the investigation (they would prefer she not meddle, but her intel is helpful) and the police are courteous. Roxanne’s fiancé, Patrick knows that she will not be happy until she solves the crime. The whodunit is straightforward but does not start until later in the story. It is obvious who will be killed (the nasty man) and the killer was just as easy to identify. There are two things that I find puzzling about The Bean Hive. I do not understand why Roxanne does not make fresh pastries for her shop each morning (instead of defrosting items to bake). Also, why is a dog allowed in the kitchen where food is being prepared (health violation). I know it is a book, but details do matter. I am giving Decaffeinated Scandal 4 out of 5 stars. Readers looking for a light-hearted and entertaining cozy mystery, will find it in Decaffeinated Scandal. ( )